Weight Gain During the Pandemic is Not "Coincidental" - The Impact and Countermeasures of Increasing Obesity During the Pandemic: Modern Health Challenges Indicated by Medical Research

1. Introduction

In the spring of 2020, the phrase "I feel like I've gained weight during the pandemic" flooded timelines worldwide. However, this "feeling" was substantiated by 15 years of large-scale data. A new study published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), reported by various outlets including CollingwoodToday, highlighted an **"accelerated increase" in obesity rates**, shocking public health officials.

2. Overview of the Study and Key Figures

• Subjects: Canadian Community Health Survey from 2009 to 2023 (746,250 adults).

• Results: Obesity rate increased from 25% to 33% (absolute +8%), with more than 1 point increase per year post-pandemic, nearly double the rate of the past 11 years.

• Subgroups: Increase of 9% in women and 7% in men, narrowing the gender gap. Highest rates observed among White and Black populations.News-Medical

Associate Professor Laura Anderson analyzes that "restrictions on movement deprived people of physical activity and worsened food environments and stress."Global News

3. Four Obesity Drivers Born from the Pandemic

1. Loss of Exercise Opportunities: Closure of gyms, sports clubs, and commuting led to a significant reduction in calorie expenditure.

2. Changes in Food Environment: Surge in delivery services and stockpiling made high-calorie foods more accessible.

3. Deterioration of Mental Health: "Stress eating" due to job loss, isolation, and anxiety.

4. Increased Screen Time and Decline in Sleep Quality: Staying up late and increased sedentary time hindered metabolism.

4. Unique Impact on Young People and Women

The study highlighted a 4.7% increase in obesity rates among women aged 18-29. The disappearance of the exercise culture aimed at social media appeal, replaced by habitual **"mindless eating" at home**, was noted as a factor.Global News

5. Voices on Social Media—Polarized Opinions on "Pandemic Weight Gain"

5.1 Negative Stigma Group

• Criticisms such as "lack of self-control" and "burdening healthcare costs" accounted for about 35% of posts.

• MDPI's Twitter analysis showed negative sentiments were more than twice as prevalent as positive ones.PMC

5.2 Body Positive Group

• Hashtags like #BodyPosi and #PandemicPounds advocated for body acceptance, with the sentiment "surviving the pandemic is an achievement in itself."

• These were widely retweeted among young women, with "self-acceptance" emerging as a key topic in the study.MDPI

5.3 Public Health and Expert Group

• Doctors and researchers advocated for supporting behavioral changes rather than blaming weight gain.

• Threads proposing "enhanced food education" and "walkable city planning" gained high engagement.

6. Related Issues—Eating Disorders and Weight Discrimination

Amid the obesity debate, there were reports of a doubling in hospitalizations for eating disorders, raising concerns about extreme dieting pressures.Verywell Health
Weight discrimination also impacts employment and wages, with New York enacting a "Weight Discrimination Prohibition Law" in 2023.Wikipedia

7. Policy and Business Implications

• Healthcare Costs: Increase in obesity-related diseases leading to additional costs of billions of dollars annually.

• Food Services: Expansion of the low-carb, high-protein product market.

• Fitness Industry: Online personal training becomes mainstream.

• Government: Park maintenance, pedestrian-friendly initiatives, and strengthened nutritional standards for school meals.

8. Conclusion and Outlook

The pandemic has highlighted the "social determinants of obesity," challenging the notion that it can be solved through individual responsibility alone.
Moving forward,

1. designing a society that allows for movement even during restrictions

2. integrated policies for mental health support and food environment improvement

3. positive health promotion using social media
   —will be key. Our bodies are mirrors of crisis. Now that the crisis has passed, it is time to confront the shadows it cast and take action to shine a light.